Lewes man charged in rape of elderly female

REHOBOTH BEACH – Delaware State Police have charged 43-year-old David L. Elder of Lewes in connection with a rape of a 78-year-old female at her Rehoboth Beach residence early Monday morning.

According to state police spokesman Cpl. Gary Fournier, the incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 when Mr. Elder entered the residence of the 78-year-old victim, whom he is familiar with, with a key to the house and began making inappropriate advances and physical contact with her.

Mr. Elder, who was wearing a mask at the time, then departed the home and rode away on his electric powered bicycle. The female victim was familiar with the owner of the bicycle and immediately called the suspect’s wife. While the two were on the phone, Mr. Elder returned to his house on his bicycle and his wife immediately ran out of the house to call 9-1-1.

Mr. Elder, who was found to be in possession of the mask he was wearing, was taken into custody by Lewes Police Department and turned over to state troopers at his residence, Cpl. Fournier said.

Mr. Elder, a Tier 2 registered sex offender due to a 1993 unlawful sexual contact conviction, was transported back to Troop 7 in Lewes where he was charged with rape first degree, rape second degree, burglary first degree and wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony. He was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $226,000 cash bond.

Because of the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, state police are limiting information released.

The Sussex County Post delivers news from Georgetown and southern Delaware. Follow @SussexPost on Twitter.

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